Najib sad over betrayal by senior Umno members

PEKAN: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday expressed disappointment that several senior Umno members had gone to the extent of betraying the party at the crucial moment that it was going into a general election.

The Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman said he did not believe that these individuals would be willing to stoop to that level after having derived various benefits from the party.

“It is unfortunate that people who have gained much through Umno, (in terms of) senior positions, wealth… are willing to backstab Umno at this time,” he said when addressing about 600 veteran members of BN-friendly NGOs at his Sri Kenangan residence here.

Pahang State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Ishak Muhammad and the BN candidate for the Peramu Jaya state seat, Datuk Seri Sh Puzi Sh Ali, were also present at the event.

Najib, who is defending the Pekan parliamentary seat in the 14th general election today, said he saluted the veterans attending the event because of their loyal support for BN from the time he became the elected representative for Pekan in 1976.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you people received nothing, perhaps a little depending on your fortunes, but I salute your loyalty, you are the genuine warriors who love Umno and BN,” he said.

He recalled the time when he was with several of the veteran leaders present today as he launched his political carrier after returning from the United Kingdom in the 70s.

He said he had a deep and meaningful relationship with these leaders and expressed confidence that the Pekan seat would remain with the BN.

“It all began here, in Kampung Langgar and Kampung Jambu. I will not give up the struggle of the late Tun (Abdul) Razak Hussein under any circumstances,” he said.

Najib said that following the death of his father Tun Razak in 1976, his journey of 42 years up to now has had its share of ups and downs, sweet and bitter memories and struggle together in the interests of the party and the people.

“I have to be frank. I may be occupying the seat of the prime minister in Putrajaya, but I would not have been holding the top posts in the government and party without the support from you, ladies and gentlemen, over the past 42 years,” he said.

Najib said the experience he gained while studying and after having launched his political carrier had shaped him into a resilient leader who would not give up easily.

“So, if anyone tries to topple me, that person does not know that I have in me the strength and resilience tried and tested since I was young,” he said.

Najib advised the veterans to coax their children to return to their kampungs to vote today, to support the party that had served the nation well.

“It is my hope that we must continue our unfinished struggle. With the support from all of you, tomorrow we will fly the BN flag not only in Pekan but also in Putrajaya,” he said. - Bernama